October Garden

In addition to all the chasing hot air balloons, and the climbing. . .

We took time out for a few of the gentler pursuits during these fantastic October days with family.

We have a lovely city garden near the aquarium that takes on a softer look for fall.

We all meandered in our own direction over the peaceful grounds.

Taking in all the beauty that the last of the season has to offer. . . .

I am not much of a gardener so I can't tell you the names of many of these plants, but I do know gorgeous when I see it!

(The sign tells me these hugging vines are Chinese Wisteria)

(Wish I could nab these when they are all dried and done!)

Love this spectacular fountain in this Mediterranean style garden space.

Love the mums in bushel baskets all over the park.

Such a lovely time of year!

 Breaking the fun meter!

I hope it's a great weekend ahead for you too!

Jacqueline

Going Victorian

I've changed up my posting board a tad to show a new Victorian bodice that I found recently.

So often a beautiful garment like this goes into a drawer or closet to rarely see the light of day.

But this one has so many fabulous details to show off! That fancy lace, for instance. And that surprising collar with the black stitching.

These items are almost always in the smallest sizes. I estimate this size to be around a two or four at the most. And the condition tells me that it was put away in a chest for probably a hundred years. 

Who knows exactly whom it was being saved for. But now it's only for you and me to appreciate! I thought you might like to see the exquisite details up close. Like that interesting crepey cotton fabric.

And the lace inset sleeves.

We are back to brilliant autumn sunlight streaming into the middle of the house in the mornings.

So perfect for illuminating the textures of life. . . .

Like this beautiful shoulder seam.

And the soft folds of the bodice.

It only leaves us to wonder and dream about another life so long ago,

 and to bring a little of its grace and charm into our own. 

These fall days are still so fine.

I hope it is the same for you. . . .

So nice that you had a moment to stop by!

I'll be getting back to you soon!

Jacqueline

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Burning The Midnight Oil~Dusting Off The Old Hutch

It's not really midnight! Only five pm.. But I will be at it a bit longer for sure.

I'm just so proud of my nice clean dining room. Housework isn't the center of my life anymore (thank goodness!), but nobody else does it for me yet.

I'm sharing a few family secrets here. Dusting is about the last thing that gets done regularly. I keep my furniture covered where practical, and just switch out the linen on this cupboard when tall people come! Haha!

You wouldn't see it at all without the lamp light in the late afternoon. But I have just de-junked it and left the often used items on top. Looks so fresh now! 

One of my fav biscuit jars. It reminds me of my granddaughter Daisy who is one of my expected visitors.

One of my rewards for a job well done is a surprise Austin rose that Mr. Cottage brought in from the garden. How thrilling!

You can see in this shot at the side of the cupboard that it is still daylight.

I was amazed to get any shots at all, so I just kept going to show you my hutch all straightened up too.

As you can plainly see, not much has changed otherwise. The only thing "fall-ified" so far is the addition of a bit of ornamental corn poking out.

The pitcher top and center is a recent addition, as is the English milk jug just below.

The old ironstone cafe cup is a new favorite mixed in with the same old things. And my dried eucalyptus lasts forever!

I have a teeny weeny cottagey kitchen with very little storage, and so this is a hard working hutch and dresser too! 

Just about finished with my fall cleaning.

Feels so good!

And so nice to have a visit from you!

I hope you're having a great week!

Jacqueline

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